Final answer:
Safer gastrointestinal drugs for older adults include H2 blockers like famotidine (Pepcid) and nizatidine (Axid), with oral administration usually preferred. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is less favored due to side effects and drug interactions. Laxatives, though used, carry risks of abuse and adverse effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gastrointestinal Drugs for Older Adults
When considering the safety of gastrointestinal drugs for older adults, histamine (H2) blockers such as famotidine (Pepcid) and nizatidine (Axid) are generally preferred. These medications are used to treat conditions like peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. Laxatives are less safe due to potential for abuse, electrolyte imbalance, and interference with the absorption of other medications. Cimetidine (Tagamet), although an H2 blocker, is less favored due to its potential for drug interactions and side effects.
Regarding route of administration, oral drugs are usually preferred for their convenience. However, some drugs may not be absorbed well from the gastrointestinal tract or are intended to act within the intestines, such as those treating tapeworms or for bowel decontamination. In such cases, topical preparations or other forms of administration may be necessary.
For peptic ulcers, especially those caused by H. pylori infections, a combination of antibiotics like amoxicillin and clarithromycin is effective. It is important to note that though COX-2 selective inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex) are thought to cause fewer stomach problems than other NSAIDs, they still carry risk for stomach issues and other side effects.